Approach to Occupational Cases of Lead Poisoning

M.H  Davari; M Salmani; M Gharavi; M PiriArdakani

doi:10.18502/tkj.v14i3.11362

M.H Davari Industrial Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
M Salmani Industrial Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
M Gharavi Occupational Medicine Specialist,Yazd,Iran.
M PiriArdakani Industrial Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v14i3.11362

Keywords: Lead, Work environment, Treatment, Chelator therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Lead is a toxic metal that is found in the earth's crust and has been used by humans since 7000 years ago due to its density, malleability, high resistance and low melting point. The wide use of this metal in the industry, in addition to the exposure of workers, has led to widespread environmental pollution and public health problems in many parts of the world. Due to the widespread use of lead in various occupations and the importance of its complications, the treatment of workers with symptoms of exposure to this substance has been of particular importance in the occupational medicine and occupational health of countries, therefore, in this article, it was reviewed the approach to the symptoms caused by lead exposure inworkers with lead poisoning.

Materials and Methods: In this study, with the aim of investigating the available treatments to control complications caused by exposure to lead in the workplace, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus databases from 1980 to 2021, as well as CDC, ACOEM, OSHA, WHO and ATSDR guidelines with the method Thematic search was reviewed. The number of 19 articles and 5 instructions were selected and used in writing this article.

Results: The investigations showed that it is necessary to pay attention to different body systems and perform additional measures in case of suspicion of lead poisoning in periodical evaluations of those working in contact with lead.

Conclusion: In addition to the treatment of existing complications and chelatotherapy, the workers diagnosed with lead poisoning should be given the necessary training to reduce exposure to lead.